Liquid supplying system

ABSTRACT

Provided is a system for supplying a liquid (such as an irritant chemical solution) safely. This liquid supplying system comprises: a base on which a container containing liquid is placed; a hollow needle having a spired part; a first movement mechanism that moves the needle between a first needle position at which the spired part is separated from the container and a second needle position at which the spired part is passed through a wall of the container; a hollow tube having a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the lumen of the needle; and a second movement mechanism that moves the tube between a first tube position separated from the container and a second tube position at which the tube is passed through the lumen of the needle located at the second needle position and is inserted inside the container.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system supplying a liquid. Thepresent invention particularly relates to a system safely and reliablysupplying a liquid (e.g., a chemical liquid) contained in a container.

BACKGROUND ART

A sterilization apparatus using a liquid such as peracetic acid isdisclosed in Patent Document 1 (WO 2011/038487). The liquid used in thistype of apparatus has a strong stimulant action and may causeinflammation when coming into contact with the skin. Therefore, a liquidsupplying apparatus is preferably designed such that a chemical agent isprevented from coming into contact with the skin. Additionally, it isdesirable that the liquid is accurately measured.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document

Patent Document 1: WO 2011/038487

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel liquidsupplying system capable of reliably preventing a liquid from cominginto contact with the skin.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel liquidsupplying system capable of accurately measuring an amount of liquid tobe supplied.

Means for Solving Problem

A preferable form of a liquid supplying system according to the presentinvention comprises

a base (16) on which a container (20) containing a liquid is placed;

a hollow needle (58) having a steeple portion (59);

a first moving mechanism (50) moving the needle (58) between a firstneedle position at which the steeple portion (59) is away from thecontainer (20) and a second needle position at which the steeple portion(59) penetrates a wall (24) of the container (20);

a hollow tube (79) having an outer diameter smaller than an innerdiameter of a lumen of the needle (58); and

a second moving mechanism (70) moving the tube (79) between a first tubeposition at which the tube is away from the container and a second tubeposition at which the tube penetrates through the lumen of the needle(58) located at the second needle position and enters the inside of thecontainer.

Another form of the present invention comprises

a housing (10) forming a chamber (40) housing the container (20) placedon the base (16),

an opening (12) formed in the housing (10) for housing the container(20) in the chamber (40) and taking out the container (20) from thechamber (40),

a door (13) movably supported between an open position for opening theopening (12) and a closed position for closing the opening (12), and

a lock mechanism (60) unlocking the door (13) to make the door (13)movable between the open position and the closed position when thesteeple portion (59) is at the first needle position and locking thedoor (13) at the closed position when the needle (58) is at the secondneedle position, in conjunction with the first moving mechanism (50).

Another form of the present invention comprises

an axis (39) penetrating the container (20) placed on the base (16) inan up-down direction,

the first moving mechanism (50) is configured to move the needle (58)along the axis (39), and

the second moving mechanism (70) is configured to move the tube (79)along the shaft (39).

In another form of the present invention,

the first mechanism (50) includes

a fixed part (51) fixed to the base (16),

a driving part (52) fixed to the fixed part (51), and

a movable part (55) coupling the driving part (52) and the needle (58)and moving the needle (58) between the first needle position and thesecond needle position based on driving of the driving part (52).

In another form of the present invention,

the driving part (52) includes a motor and a ball screw (53) coupled tothe motor, and the ball screw (53) is coupled to the movable part (55).

In another form of the present invention,

the second moving mechanism (70) includes

a fixed part (71) fixed to the base (16),

a driving part (72) fixed to the fixed part, and

a movable part (75) coupling the driving part (72) and the tube (79) andmoving the tube (79) between the first tube position and the second tubeposition based on driving of the driving part (72).

In another form of the present invention,

the driving part (72) includes a motor and a ball screw (73) coupled tothe motor, and the ball screw (73) is coupled to the movable part (75).

In another form of the present invention,

the lock mechanism (60) includes

an engaged part (65) disposed on the door (13), and

an engaging part (64) disposed on the movable part (75) of the firstmoving mechanism (50), and

the engaged part (65) and the engaging part (64) are configured to benot in engagement when the needle (58) is at the first needle positionand to be in engagement when the needle (58) is at the second needleposition.

In another form of the present invention,

the container (20) includes

a container main body (21), and

a lid (23) detachably attached to the container main body (21), and

the needle (58) is configured to break and penetrate through the lid(23) while moving from the first needle position to the second needleposition.

Effect of the Invention

According to the liquid supplying system configured as described above,when a liquid such as a sterilant is supplied, a harmful liquid does notcome into contact with the skin so that safety is ensured.

According to the liquid supplying system configured as described above,a liquid such as a sterilant can accurately be measure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a liquid supplying system and asupplying unit incorporated therein according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the liquid supplying system andthe supplying unit incorporated therein according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the liquid supplying system andthe supplying unit incorporated therein according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the liquid supplying system andthe supplying unit incorporated therein according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container and a container receivingpart of the supplying unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the container and thecontainer receiving part of the supplying unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first moving mechanism of thesupplying unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second moving mechanism of thesupplying unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a structure of a measuring unit of a firstembodiment incorporated in the liquid supplying system according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an operation of the measuring unit shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a structure of a measuring unit of asecond embodiment incorporated in the liquid supplying system accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an operation of the measuring unit shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a structure of a measuring unit of a thirdembodiment incorporated in the liquid supplying system according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an operation of the measuring unit shown inFIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a structure of a measuring unit of afourth embodiment incorporated in the liquid supplying system accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an operation of the measuring unit shown inFIG. 15.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Description will hereinafter be made of an example of application of aliquid supplying system according to the present invention to a gassterilization apparatus. As is well known, the gas sterilizationapparatus sterilizes medical devices etc. with a sterilant such asperacetic acid; however, the application of the liquid supplying systemof the present invention is not limited to the gas sterilizationapparatus.

1. General Structure

A liquid supplying system (generally denoted by reference numeral 1)described below roughly includes a supplying unit (generally designatedby reference numeral 2) shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and a measuring unit (101,201, 301, or 401) shown in FIG. 9, 13, or 15.

2. Supplying Unit

A structure of the supplying unit 2 will be described.

2.1: Housing

The supplying unit 2 has a housing 10 that houses various componentsdescribed later. For simplicity, the drawings show only a portion of thehousing 10, for example, only a portion of a front wall 11 to which anoperator faces during operation.

Referring to FIG. 1, the housing front wall 11 has an opening 12 formedin a predetermined place in the housing 10 for inserting a liquidcontainer (hereinafter simply referred to as “container”) 20 describedlater. The opening 12 is preferably configured to be closed by a door 13having a shape and a size adapted thereto. The type of the door is notlimited and may be of any type (e.g., a single opening type, a doubleopening type, or a sliding type).

The door 13 of the embodiment is a single opening door having a shape(e.g., a substantially quadrangular shape) corresponding to the shape ofthe opening 12 and has a left end rotatably hinged (not shown) at acorresponding position of the housing 10 when viewed from the frontside. A latch mechanism holding the door 13 at a closed position (notshown) is preferably disposed. The latch mechanism may have, forexample, a magnetic metal piece 14 attached to an inner surface of thedoor 13 and a magnet 15 attached to the housing 10 so that the magnet 15keeps the metal piece 14 in the closed state of the door 13.

2.2: Container

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the container 20 has a main body 21containing a chemical liquid (e.g., peracetic acid for sterilization).In the embodiment, the main body 21 is a cylindrical body around acentral axis 22 extending in the up-down direction and has a mouthportion in an upper portion. In the embodiment, an external thread (notshown) is integrally formed around the mouth portion of the main body21, and a lid 23 is attached to the external thread. A central region 25of a lid ceiling wall 24 is preferably designed thinner than the otherportions so that a hollow piercing needle (described later) breaksthrough the central region 25 with a smaller force as described later.

In the present invention, the main body 21 of the container 20 is madeof plastic, glass, or metal. The lid 23 is made of plastic or metal.

The container 20 may not be made up of two members, i.e., the main bodyand the lid, and may be made up of a single member. Specifically, thecontainer may have a main body integrally formed of a single materialand may be filled with a liquid through a sealable mouth portion formedin a portion of the main body.

2.3: Container Receiving Part

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a base 16 forming a portion of a bottomportion of the housing 10 is disposed behind the opening 12. Asubstantially L-shaped container receiving part 30 is fixed onto thebase 16, facing the opening 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the containerreceiving part 30 has a lower support portion 31 supporting a bottomportion 27 of the container main body 21 and an upper support portion 32supporting a shoulder portion 26 of the container main body 21. As shownin the figures, the lower support portion 31 has a table 33 made up of acircular raised portion having a size and a shape corresponding to theshape of the main-body bottom portion 27, and a lower half-cylindricalwall 34 having a substantially half-cylindrical recess corresponding tothe shape of the main-body lower portion. The upper support portion 32has an upper half-cylindrical wall 35 having a substantiallyhalf-cylindrical recess corresponding to the shape of the main-bodyshoulder portion 26. In the embodiment, a vertical portion 36 couplingthe lower support portion 31 and the upper support portion 32 isprovided with a cylindrical wall 37 having a recess of the cylindricalshape of the container main body 21. In the embodiment, a projection 38is also formed on the lower support portion 31 on the opening side ofthe table 33.

According to such a structure of this embodiment, the container 20inserted from the opening 12 is fixed, from a tilted state with themain-body bottom portion 27 engaged with the inside (table side) of theprojection 38, by pushing the main-body shoulder portion 26 into theupper half-cylindrical wall 35 and pushing the main-body bottom portion27 into the lower half-cylindrical wall 34 while raising the container20. As shown in FIG. 5, in this state, the container 20 has themain-body bottom portion 27 restricted by the table 33, the lowerhalf-cylindrical wall 34, and the projection 38 and the main-bodyshoulder portion 26 restricted by the upper half-cylindrical wall 35 andis therefore limited in movement (horizontal movement, verticalmovement) in all directions, i.e., front-back, left-right, and up-downdirections, in an upright state with the central axis 22 of thecontainer 20 made coincident with a vertical axis 39 passing through thecenter of the table 33.

2.4: Container Housing Chamber

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in the embodiment, a chamber surrounding thecontainer receiving part 30 and the container 20 mounted thereon isformed as a container receiving chamber 40 inside the opening 12. Thecontainer housing chamber 40 is made up of left/right side walls 41, aback wall 42 on the rear side, and a ceiling wall 43 and is openable tothe outside through the opening 12. A circular window 44 around thevertical axis 39 is formed in the ceiling wall 43 so that a hollowpiercing needle described later can access the container 20 through thiswindow 44.

Portions of the left/right side walls 41 adjacent to the housing frontwall 11 is extended upward to form extended side walls 45. An extendedback wall 46 extending in the left-right direction is formed away fromthe housing front wall 11 between rear vertical edges of the left/rightextended side walls 45, and a front end of the ceiling wall 43 iscoincident with a lower end of this extended back wall 46 so that a gap47 is formed between the extended side walls 45, the extended back wall46, and the housing front wall 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, a portion (lower portion) of the extended back wall46 is exposed in the opening 12. A portion (an engaged part 65) of adoor lock mechanism 60 described later is disposed on an upper portionof the inner surface of the door 13 facing an opening exposed surface ofthe extended back wall 46.

2.5: Needle, First Moving Mechanism, Lock Mechanism

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a fixed bracket (first fixed part) 51 isdisposed behind the housing front wall 11. The fixed bracket 51 is fixedto the housing 10 indirectly via an appropriate member or directlywithout via such a member. The fixed bracket 51 supports a driving part(first driving part) 52. The driving part 52 has an electric motor. Aball screw 53 oriented in the vertical direction is coupled to arotating shaft of the motor so that the ball screw 53 rotates accordingto forward and reverse rotation of the motor. The ball screw 53 iscoupled to a movable bracket (first movable part) 55 via a nut 54 sothat the movable bracket 55 moves up and down according to the rotationof the ball screw 53.

The movable bracket 55 is preferably provided with an appropriaterotation preventing means so that the movable bracket 55 moves in theup-down direction without rotating (corotating) together with therotation of the ball screw 53. For example, a vertical guide 56 (seeFIG. 7) extending in parallel with the ball screw 53 is fixed to thehousing 10 or the base 16, and the movable bracket 55 or a lock plate 61(described later) coupled thereto is restricted such that movement ismade only in the up-down direction along the vertical guide 56.

The movable bracket 55 also has a hole 57 (see FIG. 7) formed on thevertical axis 39 of the container housing chamber 40 to penetrate themovable bracket 55 in the up-down direction. A hollow piercing needle 58is fixed to a lower surface of the movable bracket 55 adjacent to thehole 57, and a central axis of a lumen of the hollow piercing needle 58and the central axis of the hole 57 are aligned on the vertical axis 39(see FIG. 6).

As the name implies, the hollow piercing needle 58 has a hollowcylindrical body obliquely cut at a lower portion to form a steepleportion 59. Although the material of the hollow drilling needle 58 isnot limited, if the liquid is strongly acidic or strongly alkaline, theneedle is made of a material not corroded due to contact with the liquidor has a surface coated with such a material. A typicalcorrosion-resistance material is polytetrafluoroethylene.

As shown in FIG. 7, the movable bracket 55 has the lock plate 61functioning as a portion of a mechanism locking the door 13. In theembodiment, the lock plate 61 is formed by bending an elongated plateinto a bracket shape and includes a first portion 62 extendingvertically upward from the movable bracket 55, a second portion 63extending horizontally forward from an upper end of the first portion 62toward the front wall 11, and a third portion 64 extending verticallydownward from an end of the second portion 63. The third portion(hereinafter referred to as “engaging part”) 64 enters the gap 47 formedbetween the front wall 11 and the extended back wall 46 from above.Corresponding to the engaging part 64, the engaged part 65 engageablewith the engaging part 64 is disposed in a region of the door innersurface facing the extended back wall 46, and the lock mechanism 60 ismade up of the engaged part 64 and the engaged part 65. In theembodiment, the engaging part 64 is an elongated plate extending in thevertical direction, and the engaged part 65 is formed of a frameallowing entry of the plate.

As described above, the fixed bracket 51, the driving portion 52, theball screw 53, the nut 54, and the movable bracket 55 constitute a firstmoving mechanism 50 moving the hollow piercing needle 58 between anelevated position (first needle position) at which the hollow piercingneedle 58 is sufficiently retreated above the container 20 and a loweredposition (second needle position) at which the hollow piercing needle 58breaks and penetrates through the lid 23 of the container 20.

The first moving mechanism 50 and the lock mechanism 60 are designedsuch that when the hollow piercing needle 58 is at the first needleposition, the door 13 is openable (unlocked) without engagement of theengaging part 64 with the engaged part 65, that when the hollow piercingneedle 58 is at a position somewhat lowered from the first needleposition (however, the hollow piercing needle 58 is separated by asufficient distance from the lid 23 of the container 20; this positionwill hereinafter be referred to as a “third needle position”), theengaging part 64 is engaged with the engaged part 65, and that while thehollow piercing needle 58 moves further downward from the third needleposition to the second needle position, the engaging part 64 isconstantly engaged with the engaged part 65 to keep the door 13unopenable (locked).

To determine whether the hollow piercing needle 58 is located at thefirst needle position, the second needle position, or the third needleposition, detectors 81, 82, 83 are preferably disposed for detecting theposition of the movable bracket 55 supporting the hollow piercing needle58.

2.6: Second Moving Mechanism

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a fixed bracket 71 is fixed onto the base 16.The fixed bracket 71 supports a driving part (second driving part) 72.The driving part 72 has an electric motor. A ball screw 73 oriented inthe vertical direction is coupled to a rotating shaft of the motor sothat the ball screw 73 rotates in accordance with forward and reverserotation of the motor. The ball screw 73 is coupled to a movable bracket(second movable part) 75 via a nut 74.

The movable bracket 75 has a through-hole 76. The base 16 supports aguide rod 77 extending in parallel with the ball screw 73, and the guiderod 77 penetrates the through-hole 76 of the movable bracket 75.Therefore, when the ball screw 73 rotates, the movable bracket 75 movesup and down while being guided by the guide rod 77.

The movable bracket 75 has a through-hole 78 on an extension of thevertical axis 39. A hollow suction tube 79 made of a rigid material isinserted through the through-hole 78 movably in the up-down directionalong the vertical axis 39. To position the suction tube 79 relative tothe movable bracket 75, a holder 80 is fixed to the movable bracket 75.The holder 80 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, forexample, and is provided with a small vertical hole having a diametersmaller than the outer diameter of the movable bracket 75, and thesuction tube 79 is fitted into the vertical hole. Therefore, the suctiontube 79 can be moved up and down relative to the movable bracket 75 andcan be fixed to the suction tube 79 with a lower end of the suction tube79 set to a desired height.

In the embodiment, the length of the suction tube 79 extendingdownwardly from the movable bracket 75 is adjusted such that when thehollow piercing needle 58 is at the first needle position (elevatedposition), the suction tube 79 is at least partially located in thelumen of the hollow piercing needle 58 and holds the hollow piercingneedle 58 on the vertical axis 39 and that when the hollow piercingneedle 58 is at the second needle position (lowered position), thesuction tube 79 enters the inside of the container 20 with a lower endthereof coming into slight contact or substantially no contact with aninner bottom surface of the container 20.

As described above, the fixed bracket 71, the driving portion 72, theball screw 73, the nut 74, and the movable bracket 75 constitute asecond moving mechanism 70 moving the suction tube 79 between anelevated position (first tube position) at which the suction tube 79 issufficiently retreated above the container 20 and a lowered position(second tube position) at which the suction tube 79 penetrates the lid23 of the container 20 with the lower end thereof located in thevicinity of the container bottom surface.

To determine whether the suction tube 79 is located at the first tubeposition or the second tube position, detectors 84, 85 are preferablydisposed for detecting the position of the movable bracket 75.

2.7: Operation

An operation of the supplying unit 2 will be described.

2.7.1: Mounting of Container

While the container 20 is not mounted on the container housing chamber40, the hollow piercing needle 58 is at the first needle position, andthe suction tube 79 is at the first tube position, so that the hollowpiercing needle 58 and the aspiration tube 79 are retreated above thecontainer housing chamber 40. Therefore, the engaging part 64 of thelock mechanism 60 is away from the engaged part 65, and the door 13 isin an openable state (unlocked state).

When mounting the container 20 in the container housing chamber 40, thedoor 13 is opened, and the container 20 is placed in the containerhousing chamber 40 through the opening 12. At this step, the container20 is kept tilted and inserted from the main-body bottom portion 27 intothe container storage chamber 40, and the main-body bottom portion 27 ispositioned inside the projection 38 of the container receiving part 30.While the posture of the container 20 is changed from the tilted stateto the upright state, the container bottom portion 27 is pushed into thelower half-cylindrical wall 34, and the main-body shoulder portion 26 ispushed into the upper half-cylindrical wall 35. As a result, thecontainer 20 is stably held in the container receiving part 30.Subsequently, the door 13 is closed.

2.7.2: Lid Opening Process

In the case of supplying a liquid from the container 20 fixed to thecontainer housing chamber 40, for example, an operator presses a lidopening process start switch (not shown) disposed on the housing 10, anda computer 90 incorporated in a control part of a system 1 starts aprogram stored therein and executes a lid opening process describedbelow.

When starting the lid opening process, the computer 90 drives thedriving part 52 to lower the hollow piercing needle 58 from the firstneedle position to the second needle position. During the lowering, whenthe hollow piercing needle 58 reaches the third needle position, theengaging part 64 of the lock mechanism 60 engages with the engaged part65 to put the door 13 into the unopenable state (locked state).

After passing through the third needle position, the hollow piercingneedle 58 goes through the window 44 of the ceiling wall 43 of thecontainer housing chamber 40 and breaks and penetrates through thecentral region 25 of the lid 23. The computer 90 stops the driving part52 with the hollow piercing needle 58 penetrating the lid 23 andmaintains this state (the second needle position). The computer 90preferably also drives the drive 72 in conjunction with the lowering ofthe hollow drilling needle 58 to maintain a state in which at least aportion of the suction tube 79 is constantly located in the lumen of thehollow drilling needle 58 during the lowering of the hollow drillingneedle 58. However, a distance between the suction tube 79 and the lid23 is maintained so as not to bring the lower end of the suction tube 79into contact with the lid 23 until the hollow piercing needle 58penetrates the lid 23.

After the lid is opened, the hollow piercing needle 58 may be maintainedat the position (second needle position) of penetration through the lid23. Alternatively, after opening the lid, the computer 90 may elevateand separate the hollow drilling needle 58 from the lid 23.Subsequently, when sucking the liquid, the computer 90 drives thedriving part 72 to insert the lower end of the suction tube 79 into theliquid. The suction tube 79 may constantly be immersed in the liquidregardless of whether the liquid is sucked or not sucked or may bemaintained above a liquid level when the liquid is not sucked.

2.7.3: Container Replacement

When replacing the container, an operator presses a switch (not shown)dispose on the housing 10. This causes the computer 90 of the system 1to drive the driving parts 52, 72 to return the hollow piercing needle58 to the first needle position and return the suction tube 79 to thefirst tube position. As a result, the lock mechanism 60 is released.Subsequently, the operator can open the door 13 and take out thecontainer 20 from the container storage chamber 40. A procedure oftaking out the container 20 is opposite to the procedure of mounting.The container may be replaced also when it is detected that a remainingamount of the liquid in the container 20 becomes equal to or less than apredetermined amount or when it is detected that the expiration date ofthe container 20 or the liquid is reached. When the containerreplacement switch is pressed or when it is detected that the remainingamount of the liquid becomes equal to or less than a predeterminedamount, the liquid remaining in the container 20 is sucked and collectedinto a waste liquid storage chamber (e.g., denoted by reference numeral153 in FIG. 9) (this process is referred to as a “container replacementpreparation process”).

3. Measuring Unit

An embodiment of a measuring unit will be described.

3.1: First Embodiment

A measuring unit 101 of a first embodiment will be described.

3.1.1: Structure

As shown in FIG. 9, the measuring unit 101 has a first transport passage111, a second transport passage 112, a third transport passage 113, anda fourth transport passage 114 for transporting a liquid. The firsttransport passage 111 has one end connected to the upper end of thesuction tube 79 and the other end is connected to a processing chamber(first chamber) 121. The processing chamber 121 is, for example, asterilization chamber of a gas sterilization apparatus and is connectedto a vacuum pump (first depressurizing means) 123 so that a space 122 inthe processing chamber 121 can be depressurized to form a vacuum.Although not shown, the processing chamber 121 is provided with variousinstruments (e.g., a pressure detector, a temperature detector)necessary for properly managing a sterilization process.

The first transport passage 111 is provided with a first valve 131, ameasuring chamber (second chamber) 151, a second valve 132, and avaporizing chamber 152 in order from the suction tube 79 toward theprocessing chamber 121. A volume (second volume) of the measuringchamber 151 is smaller than a volume (first volume) of the processingchamber 12 and, for example, when the volume of the processing chamber121 is 100 to 150 liters, the volume of the measuring chamber 151 is setto 2 to 7 milliliters. The first transport passage 111 has a firstbranching portion 141 between the first valve and the suction tube 79and a second branching portion 142 between the second valve 132 and thevaporizing chamber 152. The second transport passage 112 has one endconnected to the first branching portion 141 and the other end connectedto the waste liquid storage chamber 153 and is provided with a temporarystorage chamber 154 and a third valve 133 in order from the firstbranching portion 141 toward the waste liquid storage chamber 153. Thethird transport passage 113 has one end connected to the secondbranching portion 142 and the other end connected to the waste liquidstorage chamber 153 and is provided with a fourth valve 134 and a thirdbranching portion 143 in order from the second branching portion 142toward the waste liquid storage chamber 153. The fourth transportpassage 114 has a fifth valve 135 and has one end connected to the thirdbranching portion 143 and the other end opened to the atmosphere.

For each of the first to fifth valves 131 to 135 described above, anelectromagnetic valve is suitably used. The vacuum pump 123 and thefirst to fifth valves 131 to 135 are connected to the computer 90 andare configured to operate based on an output of the computer 90.

3.1.2: Operation

An operation of the measuring unit 101 will be described with referenceto FIG. 10.

(Step 1)

When detecting that a tip of the suction tube 79 inserted into thecontainer 20 has reached the container bottom surface or the vicinitythereof, the computer 90 closes the first, second, third, and fifthvalves 131, 132, 133, 135 and opens the fourth valve 134. The computer90 also drives the vacuum pump 123. As a result, the processing chamber121, the vaporizing chamber 152, and the waste liquid storage chamber153 are set at a predetermined vacuum pressure. The vacuum pressure ofthe waste liquid storage chamber 153 is used for the containerreplacement preparation process described above. The same applies to theother embodiments described later.

The valve 134 may be opened not only in the case described above butalso, for example, when the vacuum pump 123 is driven and the pressurein the processing chamber 121 reaches 80,000 Pa, for example. The sameapplies to the other embodiments described below.

The tip of the suction tube 79 having reached the container bottomsurface or the vicinity thereof can be detected based on signals fromthe detectors 81, 82, 83. Alternatively, the position of the suctiontube 79 can be detected based on the driving time of the driving part72.

(Step 2)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the fourthvalve 134 and opens the third valve 133. As a result, the liquid in thecontainer 20 is sucked through the suction tube 79 and supplied to thetemporary storage chamber 154. In this way, in this embodiment, thethird valve 133, the fourth valve 134, the fifth valve 135, and thewaste liquid storage chamber 153 function as a depressurizing means(second depressurizing means) depressurizing the temporary storagechamber 154 to form a vacuum.

(Step 3)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the thirdvalve 133. The time from opening to closing the third valve 133 is setsuch that a predetermined amount of the liquid is filled into thetemporary storage chamber 154. As a result, the first transport passageportion from the suction tube 79 to the temporary storage chamber 154 isfilled with the liquid

(Step 4)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 132 to allow the measuringchamber 151 to communicate with the vaporizing chamber 152 and theprocessing chamber 121 and sucks air in the measuring chamber 151.

(Step 5)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the secondvalve 132. As a result, the measuring chamber 151 is set to apredetermined vacuum pressure.

(Step 6)

The computer 90 opens the first valve 131. As a result, the liquid inthe container 20 is sucked into the measuring chamber 151. As describedabove, since the suction tube 79 and the subsequent first transportpassage portion to the temporary storage chamber 154 are filled with theliquid, no air enters the measuring chamber 151, and the predeterminedamount of the liquid is reliably filled into the measuring chamber 151.

(Step 7)

The computer 90 closes the first valve 131 after a predetermined time.This time is set to the time required for completely or substantiallycompletely filing the measuring chamber 151 with the liquid.

(Step 8)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 132. As a result, the liquid inthe measuring chamber 151 is drawn by the vacuum of the processingchamber 121 and the vaporizing chamber 152 and vaporized into a gas inthe vaporizing chamber 152, and the gas is supplied to the processingchamber 121. Through the steps described above, the predetermined amount(corresponding to the volume of the measuring chamber) of the liquid isgasified, supplied to the processing chamber 121, and utilized for thesterilization process in the chamber.

The amount of the liquid supplied to the processing chamber 121 can beadjusted by repeating steps 5 to 7 described above after step 8. Thenumber of times of repetition varies depending on the volume of themeasuring chamber 151.

(Step 9)

When the predetermined amount of the liquid is supplied through theprocess described above, the computer 90 drives the driving part to pullup the suction tube 79 from the liquid and keeps the suction tube 79 outof contact with the liquid.

(Step 10)

The computer 90 opens the third valve 133 and recovers the liquidremaining in the temporary storage chamber 154 and the second transportpassage 112 and the suction tube 79 communicating therewith to the wasteliquid storage chamber 153 kept in a vacuum.

(Step 11)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the thirdvalve 133 and terminates the recovery of the remaining liquid.

(Step 12)

The computer 90 closes the second valve 132.

(Step 13)

The computer 90 opens the first valve 131 and sucks the liquid remainingon the downstream side of the first valve 131 into the vaporizingchamber 152.

(Step 14)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the firstvalve 131.

(Step 15)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 132. As a result, the liquid inthe measuring chamber 151 is supplied to the processing chamber 121.

(Step 16)

The computer 90 closes the second valve 132 after a predetermined time.This time is set to the time required for completely sucking the liquidor gas remaining in the vaporizing chamber 152 etc. into the processingchamber 121.

As described above, according to the measuring unit 101 of the firstembodiment, the predetermined amount of the liquid is accuratelymeasured, vaporized, and supplied to the processing chamber 121 (e.g.,the gas sterilization chamber).

3.2: Second Embodiment

The measuring unit 201 of a second embodiment will be described.

3.2.1: Structure

As shown in FIG. 11, the measuring unit 201 of the second embodiment isdifferent from the measuring unit of the first embodiment in that theunit does not include a temporary storage chamber.

3.2.2: Operation

An operation of the measuring unit 201 will be described with referenceto FIG. 12.

(Step 1)

When detecting that a tip of the suction tube 79 inserted into thecontainer 20 has reached the container bottom surface or the vicinitythereof, the computer 90 closes first, second, third, fifth valves 231,232, 233, 235 and opens a fourth valve 234. The computer 90 also drivesa vacuum pump 223 to set a processing chamber 221, a vaporizing chamber252, and a waste liquid storage chamber 253 to a predetermined vacuumpressure.

The tip of the suction tube 79 having reached the container bottomsurface or the vicinity thereof can be detected based on signals fromthe detectors 81, 82, 83. Alternatively, the position of the suctiontube 79 can be detected based on the driving time of the driving part 72

(Step 2)

The computer 90 closes the fourth valve 234 and opens the third valve233. As a result, the liquid in the container 20 is sucked so that thesuction tube 79 and a second transport passage portion from the suctiontube 79 to the third valve 233 are filled with the liquid. In this way,in this embodiment, the third valve 133, the fourth valve 134, the fifthvalve 135, and the waste liquid storage chamber 153 function as adepressurizing means (third depressurizing means) depressurizing thesecond transport passage portion to form a vacuum.

(Step 3)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 232 to allow a measuring chamber251 to communicate with the vaporizing chamber 252 and the processingchamber 221 and sucks air in the measuring chamber 251.

(Step 4)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the secondvalve 232 and sets the measuring chamber 251 to a predetermined vacuumpressure.

(Step 5)

The computer 90 opens the first valve 231. As a result, the liquid inthe container 20 is sucked into the measuring chamber 251. In this case,since the suction tube 79 and the second transport passage portion fromthe suction tube 79 to the third valve 233 are filled with the liquidand no air exists, a predetermined amount of the liquid is sucked intothe measuring chamber 251.

(Step 6)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the firstvalve 231. This time is set to the time required for completely orsubstantially completely filing the measuring chamber 151 with theliquid.

(Step 7)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 232. As a result, the liquid inthe measuring chamber 251 is drawn by the vacuum in the processingchamber 221 and the vaporizing chamber 252 and vaporized into a gas inthe vaporizing chamber 252, and the vaporized gas is supplied to theprocessing chamber 221.

(Step 8)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the secondvalve 232. This time is set to the time required for completely orsubstantially completely supplying the liquid in the measuring chamber251 to the processing chamber 121. Through the steps described above,the predetermined amount (corresponding to the volume of the measuringchamber) of the liquid is gasified, supplied to the processing chamber221, and utilized for the sterilization process in the chamber.

(Step 9)

The amount of the liquid supplied from the container 20 to theprocessing chamber 221 by the process described above is limited, andwhen the total amount of the liquid required for the processing chamber221 is smaller than one supply amount, steps 3 to 6 described above arerepeated after step 8.

(Step 10)

To supply the liquid filled in the measuring chamber 251 at immediatelypreceding Step 6 to the processing chamber 221, the computer 90 opensthe second valve 232 and sends out the liquid in the measuring chamber251.

(Step 11)

The computer 90 drives the driving part 72 to pull up the suction tube79 from the liquid and keeps the suction tube 79 out of contact with theliquid.

(Step 12)

The computer 90 closes the second valve 232 after a lapse of apredetermined time.

(Step 13)

The computer 90 opens the first valve 231 and sucks the liquid remainingin the pulled-up suction tube 79 into the measuring chamber 251.

(Step 14)

The computer 90 closes the first valve 231 after a lapse of apredetermined time.

(Step 15)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 232 and supplies the liquid inthe measuring chamber 251 from the vaporizing chamber 252 to theprocessing chamber 221.

(Step 16)

The computer 90 closes the second valve 232 after a lapse of apredetermined time.

As described above, according to the measuring unit 201 of the secondembodiment, at steps 11 to 16, the liquid present in the lumen from thefirst valve 231 to the end of the suction tube 79 is collected in themeasuring chamber and supplied to the processing chamber.

3.3: Third Embodiment

The measuring unit 301 of a third embodiment will be described.

3.3.1: Structure

As shown in FIG. 13, the measuring unit 301 according to the thirdembodiment has a first transport passage 311, a second transport passage312, and a third transport passage 313 for transporting a liquid. Thefirst transport passage 311 has one end connected to the upper end ofthe suction tube 79 and the other end connected to a processing chamber321. The processing chamber 321 is, for example, a sterilization chamberof a gas sterilization apparatus and is connected to a vacuum pump 323so that a space 322 in the processing chamber 321 can be made vacuum.Although not shown, the processing chamber 321 is provided with variousinstruments (e.g., a pressure detector, a temperature detector)necessary for properly managing the sterilization process.

The first transport passage 311 is provided with a first valve 331, ameasuring chamber 351, a second valve 332, and a vaporizing chamber 352in order from the suction tube 79 toward the processing chamber 321. Thefirst transport passage 311 has a first branching portion 341 betweenthe first valve and the suction tube 79. The second transport passage312 has one end connected to the first branching portion 341 and theother end connected to a second branching portion 342 and is providedwith a temporary storage chamber 354 between the first branching portion341 and the second branching portion 342. The third transport passage313 has one end opened to the atmosphere and the other end connected toa waste liquid storage chamber 353 with a first pump 361, a third valve333, the second branching portion 342, a fourth valve 334, and a secondpump 362 arranged between the one end and the other end. The inside ofthe waste liquid storage chamber 353 is opened to the atmosphere via anexhaust pipe 371.

For each of the first to fourth valves 331 to 334 described above, anelectromagnetic valve is suitably used. The vacuum pump 323 and thefirst to fourth valves 331 to 334 are connected to the computer 90 andare configured to operate based on an output of the computer 90.

3.3.2: Operation

An operation of the measuring unit 301 will be described with referenceto FIG. 14.

(Step 1)

When detecting that the tip of the suction tube 79 inserted into thecontainer 20 has reached the container bottom surface or the vicinitythereof, the computer 90 closes the first, second, and third valves 331,332, 333 and opens the fourth valve 334. The computer 90 also drives thesecond pump 362. As a result, the liquid in the container 20 is suckedthrough the suction tube 79 and supplied to the temporary storagechamber 354.

(Step 2)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the fourthvalve 334 and stops the second pump 362. The predetermined time in thiscase is set such that a predetermined amount of the liquid is filledinto the temporary storage chamber 354. As a result, the secondtransport passage portion from the suction tube 79 to the temporarystorage chamber 354 is filled with the liquid.

(Step 3)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 332 to allow the measuringchamber 351 to communicate with the vaporizing chamber 352 and theprocessing chamber 321 and sucks air in the measuring chamber 351.

(Step 4)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the secondvalve 332. As a result, the measuring chamber 351 is set to apredetermined vacuum pressure.

(Step 5)

The computer 90 opens the first valve 331. As a result, the liquid inthe container 20 is sucked into the measuring chamber 351. As describedabove, since the suction tube 79 and the subsequent first transportpassage portion to the temporary storage chamber 354 are filled with theliquid, no air enters the measuring chamber 351, and the predeterminedamount of the liquid is reliably filled into the measuring chamber 351.

(Step 6)

The computer 90 closes the first valve 331 after a predetermined time.This time is set to the time required for completely or substantiallycompletely filing the measuring chamber 351 with the liquid.

(Step 7)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 332. As a result, the liquid inthe measuring chamber 351 is drawn by the vacuum of the processingchamber 321 and the vaporizing chamber 352 and vaporized into a gas inthe vaporizing chamber 352, and the gas is supplied to the processingchamber 321. Through the steps described above, the predetermined amount(corresponding to the volume of the measuring chamber) of the liquid isgasified, supplied to the processing chamber 321, and utilized for thesterilization process in the chamber.

The amount of the liquid supplied to the processing chamber 321 can beadjusted by repeating steps 4 to 7 described above after step 7.

(Step 8)

When the predetermined amount of the liquid is supplied through theprocess described above, the computer 90 drives the driving part to pullup the suction tube 79 from the liquid and keeps the suction tube 79 outof contact with the liquid.

(Step 9)

The computer 90 opens the third valve 333, drives the first pump 361 tosuck the atmosphere, and returns to container 20 the liquid remaining inthe second transport passage 312, the suction tube 79, and the firsttransport passage 311 between the first branching portion 341 and thefirst valve 331.

(Step 10)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the thirdvalve 333 and stops the first pump 361.

(Step 11)

The computer 90 closes the second valve 332.

(Step 12)

The computer 90 opens the first valve 331 and sucks the liquid remainingon the upstream side of the first valve 331, for example, the liquidremaining between the first branching portion 341 and the first valve331, into the measuring chamber 351.

(Step 13)

The computer 90 closes the first valve 331 after a lapse of apredetermined time.

(Step 14)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 332. As a result, the liquid inthe measuring chamber 351 is supplied to the processing chamber 321.

(Step 15)

The computer 90 closes the second valve 332 after a predetermined time.This time is set to the time required for completely sucking the liquidor gas remaining in the vaporizing chamber 352 etc. into the processingchamber 321.

As described above, according to the measuring unit 301 of the thirdembodiment, all the liquid remaining in the temporary storage chamber354 and the second transport passage 312 is returned to the container.

3.4: Fourth Embodiment

The measuring unit 401 of a fourth embodiment will be described.

3.4.1: Structure

As shown in FIG. 15, the measuring unit 401 of the fourth embodiment hasa first transport passage 411 and a second transport passage 412 fortransporting a liquid. The first transport passage 411 has one endconnected to the upper end of the suction tube 79 and the other endconnected to the processing chamber 421. The processing chamber 421 is,for example, a sterilization chamber of a gas sterilization apparatusand is connected to a vacuum pump 423 so that a space 422 in theprocessing chamber 421 can be made vacuum. Although not shown, theprocessing chamber 421 is provided with various instruments (e.g., apressure detector, a temperature detector) necessary for properlymanaging the sterilization process.

The first transport passage 411 is provided with a first valve 431, ameasuring chamber 451, a second valve 432, and a vaporizing chamber 452in order from the suction tube 79 toward the processing chamber 421. Thefirst transport passage 411 has a branching portion 441 between thefirst valve and the suction tube 79. The second transport passage 412has one end connected to the branching portion 441 and the other endconnected to a waste liquid storage chamber 453 with a temporary storagechamber 454, a third valve 433, and a pump 461 arranged between thebranching portion 441 and the waste liquid storage chamber 453. Theinside of the waste liquid storage chamber 453 is opened to theatmosphere via an exhaust pipe 471.

For each of the first to third valves 431 to 433 described above, anelectromagnetic valve is suitably used. The vacuum pump 423 and thefirst to third valves 431 to 433 are connected to the computer 90 andare configured to operate based on an output of the computer 90

3.3.2: Operation

An operation of the measuring unit 401 will be described with referenceto FIG. 16.

(Step 1)

When detecting that the tip of the suction tube 79 inserted into thecontainer 20 has reached the container bottom surface or the vicinitythereof, the computer 90 closes the first and second valves 431, 432 andopens the third valve 433. The computer 90 also drives the pump 461. Asa result, the liquid in the container 20 is sucked through the suctiontube 79 and supplied to the temporary storage chamber 454.

(Step 2)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the thirdvalve 333 and stops the pump 461. The predetermined time in this case isset such that a predetermined amount of the liquid is filled into thetemporary storage chamber 454. As a result, the second transport passageportion from the suction tube 79 to the temporary storage chamber 454 isfilled with the liquid.

(Step 3)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 432 to allow the measuringchamber 451 to communicate with the vaporizing chamber 452 and theprocessing chamber 421 and sucks air in the measuring chamber 451.

(Step 4)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the secondvalve 432. As a result, the measuring chamber 451 is set to apredetermined vacuum pressure.

(Step 5)

The computer 90 opens the first valve 431. As a result, the liquid inthe container 20 is sucked into the measuring chamber 451. As describedabove, since the suction tube 79 and the subsequent first transportpassage portion to the temporary storage chamber 454 are filled with theliquid, no air enters the measuring chamber 451, and the predeterminedamount of the liquid is reliably filled into the measuring chamber 451.

(Step 6)

The computer 90 closes the first valve 431 after a predetermined time.This time is set to the time required for completely or substantiallycompletely filing the measuring chamber 451 with the liquid.

(Step 7)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 432. As a result, the liquid inthe measuring chamber 451 is drawn by the vacuum in the processingchamber 421 and the vaporizing chamber 452 and vaporized into a gas inthe vaporizing chamber 452, and the gas is supplied to the processingchamber 421. Through the steps described above, the predetermined amount(corresponding to the volume of the measuring chamber) of the liquid isgasified, supplied to the processing chamber 421, and utilized for thesterilization process in the chamber.

The amount of liquid supplied to the processing chamber 421 can beadjusted by repeating steps 4 to 7 after step 7.

(Step 8)

When the predetermined amount of the liquid is supplied through theprocess described above, the computer 90 drives the driving part to pullup the suction tube 79 from the liquid and keeps the suction tube 79 outof contact with the liquid.

(Step 9)

The computer 90 opens the third valve 333, drives the pump 461 to suckthe atmosphere, and returns the liquid remaining in the second transportpassage 412 and the suction tube 79 to the container 20.

(Step 10)

After a lapse of a predetermined time, the computer 90 closes the thirdvalve 333 and stops the pump 461.

(Step 11)

The computer 90 closes the second valve 432.

(Step 12)

The computer 90 opens the first valve 431 and sucks the liquid remainingon the upstream side of the first valve 431, for example, the liquidremaining between the branching portion 441 and the first valve 431,into the measuring chamber 451.

(Step 13)

The computer 90 closes the first valve 431 after a lapse of apredetermined time.

(Step 14)

The computer 90 opens the second valve 432. As a result, the liquid inthe measuring chamber 451 is supplied to the processing chamber 421.

(Step 15)

The computer 90 closes the second valve 432 after a predetermined time.This time is set to the time required for completely sucking the liquidor gas remaining in the vaporizing chamber 452 etc. into the processingchamber 421.

As described above, according to the measuring unit 401 of the fourthembodiment, all the liquid remaining in the temporary storage chamber454 and the second transport passage 412 is returned to the container.

EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS

-   1 liquid supplying system-   2 supplying unit-   10 housing-   11 front wall-   12 opening-   13 doors-   14 metal piece-   15 magnet-   16 base-   20 liquid container-   21 main body-   22 central axis-   23 lid-   24 ceiling wall-   25 central area-   26 shoulder portion-   27 bottom portion-   30 container receiving part-   31 lower support portion-   32 upper support portion-   33 table-   34 lower half-cylindrical wall-   35 upper half-cylindrical wall-   36 vertical portion-   37 cylindrical wall-   38 projection-   39 vertical axis-   40 container housing chamber-   41 side wall-   42 back wall-   43 ceiling wall-   44 window-   45 extended side wall-   46 extended back wall-   47 gap-   50 first moving mechanism-   51 fixed bracket (first fixed part)-   52 driving part (first driving part)-   53 ball screw-   54 nut-   55 movable bracket (first movable part)-   56 vertical guide (rotation preventing means)-   57 hole-   58 hollow piercing needle-   59 steeple portion-   60 lock mechanism-   61 lock plate-   62 first portion-   63 second portion-   64 third portion (engaging part)-   65 engaged part-   70 second moving mechanism-   71 fixed bracket (second fixed part)-   72 driving part (second driving part)-   73 ball screw-   74 nut-   75 movable bracket (second movable part)-   76 through-hole-   77 guide rod-   78 through-hole-   79 suction tube-   80 holder-   81, 82, 83 detector-   84, 85 detector-   90 computer (control part)-   101 measuring unit (first embodiment)-   111 first transport passage-   112 second transport passage-   113 third transport passage-   114 fourth transport passage-   121 processing chamber-   122 space-   123 vacuum pump (first depressurizing means)-   131 first valve-   132 second valve-   133 third valve-   134 fourth valve-   135 fifth valve-   141 first branching portion-   142 second branching portion-   143 third branching portion-   151 measuring chamber-   152 vaporizing chamber-   153 waste liquid storage chamber-   154 temporary storage chamber-   201 measuring unit (second embodiment)-   211 first transport passage-   212 second transport passage-   213 third transport passage-   214 fourth transport passage-   221 processing chamber-   222 space-   223 vacuum pump (first depressurizing means)-   231 first valve-   232 second valve-   233 third valve-   234 fourth valve-   235 fifth valve-   241 first branching portion-   242 second branching portion-   251 measuring chamber-   252 vaporizing chamber-   253 waste liquid storage chamber-   301 measuring unit (third embodiment)-   311 first transport passage-   312 second transport passage-   313 third transport passage-   321 processing chamber-   322 space-   323 vacuum pump (first depressurizing means)-   331 first valve-   332 second valve-   333 third valve-   334 fourth valve-   341 first branching portion-   342 second branching portion-   351 measuring chamber-   352 vaporizing chamber-   353 waste liquid storage chamber-   354 temporary storage chamber-   361 pump-   362 pump-   371 exhaust pipe-   401 measuring unit (fourth embodiment)-   411 first transport passage-   412 second transport passage-   421 processing chamber-   422 space-   423 vacuum pump (first depressurizing means)-   431 first valve-   432 second valve-   433 third valve-   441 branching portion-   451 measuring chamber-   452 vaporizing chamber-   453 waste liquid storage chamber-   454 temporary storage chamber-   461 pump-   471 exhaust pipe

1. A liquid supplying system comprising: a base on which a containercontaining a liquid is placed; a hollow needle having a steeple portion;a first moving mechanism moving the needle between a first needleposition at which the steeple portion is away from the container and asecond needle position at which the steeple portion penetrates a wall ofthe container; a hollow tube having an outer diameter smaller than aninner diameter of a lumen of the needle; and a second moving mechanismmoving the tube between a first tube position at which the tube is awayfrom the container and a second tube position at which the tubepenetrates through the lumen of the needle located at the second needleposition and enters the inside of the container.
 2. The liquid supplyingsystem according to claim 1, comprising a housing forming a chamberhousing the container placed on the base, an opening formed in thehousing for housing the container in the chamber and taking out thecontainer from the chamber, a door movably supported between an openposition for opening the opening and a closed position for closing theopening, and a lock mechanism unlocking the door to make the doormovable between the open position and the closed position when thesteeple portion (59) is at the first needle position and locking thedoor at the closed position when the needle is at the second needleposition, in conjunction with the first moving mechanism.
 3. The liquidsupplying system according to claim 1, comprising an axis penetratingthe container placed on the base in an up-down direction, wherein thefirst moving mechanism is configured to move the needle along the axis,and wherein the second moving mechanism is configured to move the tubealong the shaft.
 4. The liquid supplying system according to claim 1,wherein the first mechanism includes a fixed part fixed to the base, adriving part fixed to the fixed part, and a movable part coupling thedriving part and the needle and moving the needle between the firstneedle position and the second needle position based on driving of thedriving part.
 5. The liquid supplying system according to claim 4,wherein the driving part includes a motor and a ball screw coupled tothe motor, and wherein the ball screw is coupled to the movable part. 6.The liquid supplying system according to claim 1, wherein the secondmoving mechanism includes a fixed part fixed to the base, a driving partfixed to the fixed part, and a movable part coupling the driving partand the tube and moving the tube between the first tube position and thesecond tube position based on driving of the driving part.
 7. The liquidsupplying system according to claim 6, wherein the driving part includesa motor and a ball screw coupled to the motor, and wherein the ballscrew is coupled to the movable part.
 8. The liquid supplying systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism includes an engagedpart disposed on the door, and an engaging part disposed on the movablepart of the first moving mechanism, and wherein the engaged part and theengaging part are configured to be not in engagement when the needle isat the first needle position and to be in engagement when the needle isat the second needle position.
 9. The liquid supplying system accordingto claim 1, wherein the container includes a container main body, and alid detachably attached to the container main body, and wherein theneedle is configured to break and penetrate through the lid while movingfrom the first needle position to the second needle position.